| University Area Crime Stoppers discuss growing problems with graffiti and with vandalism |
| Thursday, 27 April 2006 00:00 |
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Two neighborhood civic leaders met with the board of the University Area Crime Stoppers earlier this month to discuss growing problems with graffiti and with vandalism to parked vehicles in the northern portion of the University District. As a result, University Area Crime Stoppers is offering cash rewards of up to $500 for information leading to the arrests or indictments of persons committing graffiti or damaging parked vehicles. The civic leaders noted that persons committing graffiti have become bolder. Graffiti has been a frequent problem on refuse containers and in alleys, but recently criminals have placed the graffiti on garages and houses. The Columbus Division of Police has received dozens of reports of vandalism to parked vehicles, particularly the breaking off of side mirrors. Despite at least three arrests in the University District in recent weeks, the problem continues. Neighborhood leaders contend that the incidents of vandalism often occur shortly after the bars close along High Street. Anyone with information about graffiti or vandalism to parked vehicles is asked to call the University Area Crime Stoppers at (614) 247-TIPS (247-8477). University Area Crime Stoppers has posted a reward of up to $500 for any information. All calls and tips remain anonymous. Crime Stoppers does not use Caller ID nor does it seek the identity of the caller. A special coding system protects the identity of the caller. University Area Crime Stoppers is an affiliate of Central Ohio Crime Stoppers and is part of an international network of non-profit Crime Stoppers organizations which offer cash rewards for anonymous tips leading to the arrest or indictment of crime suspects. The board of University Area Crime Stoppers is composed of Ohio State students and representatives of the Community Crime Patrol, the university, area business and property owners, and permanent residents. Ohio State University Police and the Columbus Division of Police have assigned officers as liaisons to the board. University Area Crime Stoppers also takes calls from persons with information about any crime on- and off-campus in the university area. Persons with information about felony crimes in the wider Columbus community should call Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 645-TIPS (645-8477). Information leading to the arrest and indictment of a crime suspect could qualify the caller for a reward as determined by the University Area Crime Stoppers Board or by the Central Ohio Crime Stoppers Reward Committee. Reward money comes from private individuals, businesses and foundations which see Crime Stoppers as an integral tool in the community’s fight against crime. For reporters seeking more information, contact Steve Sterrett, community relations director of Campus Partners, (614) 294-7300. |